Residents heard sound of low-flying helicopter

TAPAH - The sound of a low-flying helicopter became the first clue to the search and rescue (SAR) team searching for a Eurocopter helicopter which had lost control with the Kuala Lumpur Air Traffic Control Centre on Sunday.

Perak Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the information was gathered from the public at around 5.40pm, who informed his team of the sound heard near Kampung Kenangan Jalan Bidor-Teluk Intan here.

He said the rescue teams were focusing the search at the 2,000-hectare Chikus Forest Reserve area, which was the last location for the victim to contact the control tower.

"A total of 11 officers and 80 personnel involving the police, General Operations Force (PGA), Air Unit, Fire And State Forestry Department were mobilised in this operation.

"The helicopter with registration number N409HH type EG120 is privately owned by a company and it involved a lone pilot without any passengers,” he told reporters at Bidor Police Station here.

Yusri added that he has not yet received the identity of the pilot.

"Due to the unfavourable weather and time factor, the SAR will resume at 8am tomorrow.

“The search method is carried out according to land and air roads. So far no new leads have been obtained due to the worsening weather conditions," he said.

He said members of the public with information regarding the incident may contact the nearest police station to assist the rescue team.

The helicopter was reported missing after it lost contact after taking off from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang, Selangor earlier today.

The helicopter was supposed to land at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, Ipoh at 12.37pm.